RP-Department of Agricultural Resource Management

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Adoption of Soybean by Smallholder Farmers in the Central Highlands of Kenya
(International Scholars Journals Publishing Corporation, 2019-05) Murage, F. M.; Mugwe, J. N.; Ngetich, K. F.; Mucheru-Muna, M. M.; Mugendi, D. N.
Current demand for soybean in Kenya is higher than production, and the deficit is filled through importation from neighboring Countries. Despite the high demand, production and adoption remain low. The study sought to determine factors influencing the decision to adopt soybean by smallholder farmers, assess acreage under soybean, and its production. Interviews were carried out using an interview schedule on 210 households randomly sampled from purposively selected farmer groups. Data were subjected to cross-tabulation for categorical variables to test for association. It was also subjected to a logistic regression model to predict factors affecting the decision to adopt soybean. Results showed that 41% of the households were adopters while 59% were non-adopters. The number of adopters increased from 28% to 88% over the six seasons. Acreage under soybean and its production increased over the six seasons. Farm size, membership of a farmer group and attendance of training on soybean production influenced the decision to adopt soybean positively while household head age negatively influenced the adoption of soybean. These results imply that the adoption of soybean can be enhanced by targeting younger farmers, farmers with bigger farm sizes, encouraging farmers to join farmer groups and increasing training on soybean.
Adoption potential of selected organic resources for improving soil fertility in the central highlands of Kenya
(Agroforestry Systems, 2012-01-04) Mugendi, D.N.; Mugwe, J. N.; Mucheru-Muna, M.; Kung'u, J.B.; Bationo, Andre; Mairura, Franklin
Soil fertility decline is the major cause of declining crop yields in the central highlands of Kenya and elsewhere within the African continent. This paper reports a study conducted to assess adoption potential of two leguminous trees, two herbaceous legumes, cattle manure, and Tithonia diversifolia either solely applied or combined with inorganic fertilizer, for replenishing soil fertility in the central highlands of Kenya. The study examined biophysical performance, profitability, feasibility and acceptability, and farmers experiences in managing and testing the inputs. The study was based on a series of studies incorporating both sociological and experimental approaches for two and a half years.Results of on farm trials showed that manure ? fertilizer and tithonia ? fertilizer treatments increased yields by more than 100% above the control. These treatments were the most profitable having highest net benefits and benefit cost ratios. They were also the most commonly preferred by farmers who used them on larger plots compared to the other inputs. In conclusion, cattle manure and tithonia were found to be the organic materials with the highest adoption potential for soil fertility improvement in this area. Calliandra calothyrsus and Leucaena trichandra, on the other hand, have potential for use as animal fodder. The herbaceous legumes had the least adoption potential due to poor performance recorded on the farms that possibly led to low preference by the farmers. However, issues of sustainable seed production could have played a role. This study recommends some policy issues for enhancing adoption and research issues focusing on exploring strategies for increasing biomass production and use efficiency on farms.
Adoption Potential of Soil Replenishment Resources: Feasibility and Acceptability of Leguminous Plants and other Organic Resources for Soil Fertility Improvement in Meru South District, Kenya
(African Crop Science Society, 2003) Mugendi, D.N.; Mugwe, J. N.; Mucheru-Muna, M.; Kung'u, J.B.
A preliminary study to assess adoption potential of legumes and other organic soil replenishment resources was carried out in Chuka division, Meru south District, Kenya during 2002 long rains season. The study examined feasibility, acceptability, biophysical responses, farmers experiences - constraints and modifications of technologies as indicators of adoption. In a collaborative project between Kenyatta University and Kenya Agricultural Research Institute on integrated soil fertility management, a follow-up was done on how farmers selected technologies for soil fertility improvement after field days held every growing season, and a formal survey was carried out to find out how farmers implemented and modified the technologies. Selection of technologies by farmers was variable. Farmers initially selected soil fertility improvement resources that combined both organic and inorganic resources, but majority of the farmers implemented tithonia and cattle manure. Herbaceous legumes were least preferred due to competition with foodcrops while majority of the farmers used the new technologies on relatively small plots ranging from 0.02 to 0.05 acres citing reasons that they wanted to see the results first. Farmers practicing the technologies mainly benefited from increased crop yields and improved soil fertility. Among the main constraints farmers indicated were facing were lack of adequate biomass for incorporating into the soil and lack of cash to purchase inputs like hybrid maize and inorganic fertilizer. Farmers have responded by planting trees for biomass production on their farms and by 2002 long rains season some farmers had planted up-to 700 trees. The study has revealed the need to monitor how farmers adopt technologies as it facilitates in identification of issues and constraints that might hinder adoption and that could possibly feed into second generation research agenda. There is need to carry out more studies to validate the farmers innovations and to explore further the long-term sustainability of using tithonia.
Agro Pastoralists’ Awareness and Knowledge on Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia in Two Selected Counties in Kenya
(Taylor and Francis, 2022) Ouya, Fredrick Ochieng; Bett, Eric; Nguhiu, Purity; Makokha, Stella; Mwirigi, Martin K.
Poor identification of Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia diseases from its signs and symptoms is a major problem to goat farmers which leads to use of wrong method of disease control. The uptake of control strategies like vaccination by farmers depends on many factors while awareness and knowledge become the foundation of the technology adoption processes. This therefore necessitated a study to understand the level of awareness and knowledge of Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia, which is a highly infectious goat disease. The study analysed and used cross-sectional data collected from 342 households interviewed in October, November, and December 2020 in Kajiado County and Taita Taveta County in Kenya. These two counties are dominated by agro pastoralists and goat keeping is predominant. The study examines the factors influencing the agro pastoralists’ knowledge and level of awareness on the six major signs and symptoms of Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia disease differentiating it from other goat diseases. Multivariate probit model was the main data analysis method used. Results show that agro pastoralists’ level of knowledge and awareness on Contagious Caprine Pleuropnemonia disease depend significantly on other factors such as the gender of household head, age, education level, household size, access to extension services, and group dynamics. The findings imply that policymakers and agricultural development partners should increase public and private investment on agro pastoralists’ training and education programmes which is one of the main pathways for increasing public awareness in livestock dominated areas.
Alley cropping of maize with calliandra and leucaena in the subhumid highlands of Kenya Part 1. Soil-fertility changes and maize yield
(Kluwer Academic Publishers., 1999-06-01) Mugwe, J. N.; Mugendi, D.N.; Nair, P. K.; O’neill, M. K.; Woomer, P. L.
Although N-rich leaf biomass of multipurpose trees is known to be a good source of N to crops, integrating such trees into crop production systems is a major challenge in the development of viable agroforestry systems. An approach to integrating calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus Meissner) and leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit), two promising agroforestry tree species, into maize (Zea mays L.) production system was investigated in the subhumid highlands of central Kenya during four maize-growing seasons from 1994 to 1996. The experiment consisted of maize plots to which tree prunings obtained from hedgerows grown either in situ (alley cropping) or ex situ (biomass transfer from outside) were applied. When alley-cropped with leucaena, maize produced significantly higher yields compared to maize monoculture (both non-fertilized and fertilized) treatments, but when alley-cropped with calliandra, the yield of maize was less than that of the monocropped unfertilized control. Application of ex situ grown calliandra and leucaena prunings with or without fertilizer resulted in higher maize grain yield than in the nonfertilized and fertilized treatments. Yields of calliandra alleycropped maize were 11% to 51% lower than those of nonalley-cropped treatments receiving calliandra prunings from ex situ grown trees; the decrease was 2% to 17% with leucaena, indicating that calliandra hedges were more competitive than leucaena hedges. The alley-cropped prunings-removed treatments produced the lowest maize yields. The study showed that, in the subhumid tropical highlands of Kenya, inclusion of calliandra hedges on cropland adversely affected maize yields. On the other hand, alley cropping with leucaena was advantageous
An analysis of the efficiency of indigenous chicken marketing channels in Makueni County, Kenya
(201-04) Kabuage, L.; Ayieko, D.M.O.; Bett, E.K.;
The indigenous chicken (IC) (Gallus domesticus ) production is an important agricultural activity in many households in Kenya. Despite its importance, little research has been carried to enhance its productivity. Focus now is on IC because it presents an ideal poverty-food insecurity exit strategy especially for smallholders. It has been recently noted that market linkages is key in enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. However, there is little information on the marketing efficiency of IC in Makueni. Therefore the objective of this study was to analyse the marketing efficiency of the IC market and make policy recommendations to support IC value chain. A total of 66 IC traders and 130 producers were selected using purposive random sampling in Makueni and Nairobi counties. A pretested questionnaire was administered and data analysed using the shepherd index and multiple regression. A total of 8 marketing channels were identified, with a marketing efficiency index of between 5.29 and 1.81. Marketing cost, number of intermediaries, marketing margin, profit and price of IC had a significant effect on the marketing efficiency. Therefore it was recommended that contract models should be adopted for collective marketing and an improved marketing efficiency.
Analysis of the use of credit facilities by small-scale fish farmers in Kenya
(Springer, 2010) Kwamena, K. Quagrainie; Ngugi, Charles C.; Amisah, Stephen
The government of Kenya encourages aquaculture development by offering credit facilities through the government agricultural finance institution, Agriculture Finance Corporation. Nevertheless, the level of credit use in fish farming is very low. Access to credit is among several factors that affect farmers’ decision of whether to use particular technology or services. The study examined factors that affected the decision of fish farmers in Kenya to utilize credit facilities in fish production using a probit model. The analysis suggests that farmers in the Western province will have a 19% more probability of using credit facilities for their fish farming operations than farmers from the other provinces such as the Rift Valley, Central, and the Eastern province. The effect of tilapia sales on the probability of credit use by fish farmers is more than three times that of catfish sales. Total pond acreage owned by fish farmers had a positive effect on credit use but the effect was very small and negligible. The level of fish farmers’ use of credit facilities is very low, and there is probably the need to educate farmers on credit use and for the government agricultural lending agency and other commercial agricultural lenders to invest in this enterprise. Kenyan lending institutions have financed traditional agricultural enterprises, and with the growing production of farmed fish, more research is needed to document the aquaculture business model to assist in assessing the profitability potential in aquaculture.
Apiculture for Sustainable Land Use and Enhanced Community Livelihoods in Dryland Ecosystems: The Case of Makueni in Kenya
(EANSO, 2023) Mutua, Caroline; Waswa, Fuchaka; Mcharo, Mwamburi
The scarcity of water in drylands is a major cause of crop failure, food insecurity, and consequent human ill-being. Relying on tilling and crop farming is therefore a risky investment and a direct threat to sustainable livelihoods. This calls for a shift in land use to practices that exert less pressure on land and water. Though apiculture is such a land-use practice, its adoption in the context of changing climate and increasing ecosystem vulnerability is still low. In pursuit of this dimension, the objectives of this research were: (i) to determine the extent to which apiculture is practised, (ii) to assess the challenges facing apiculture, and (iii) to assess measures required to scale-up apiculture among resource-poor farmers using Kathonzweni as a case study. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire survey that targeted 379 farmers. Additional data was obtained from secondary sources. Results showed that the majority of respondents (34.2%) relied on crop and animal production as their main sources of income, while 25.8% engaged in apiculture as an extra livelihood activity. Only 6.7% viewed apiculture as a source of food. As such, tilling the land rather than purchasing food using income from other sources remains the mindset in food security planning. Individual farmers harvested an average of 83.53 kg of honey/year and sold on average 60.67 kg/year. The income generated was an average of Kenyan Shillings 15,166.67 (USD 150) per year. Prolonged dry seasons, lack of community sensitisation, high cost of beehives, poor apiculture husbandry practices and difficulties in individually negotiating for better prices for their honey were the main limiting factors undermining this land use. Farmers were however aware of the huge market potential of hive products and the ecological suitability of the area for apiculture. Correlation analysis of quantities harvested, sold and income generated nationally revealed the existence of a very strong and significant positive relationship (r = 0.92; p=0.000). Therefore, investing in apiculture can alleviate household income limitations and the perennial food insecurity challenge in drylands while maintaining natural land cover and hence environmental resilience. Therefore, public-private synergistic partnerships based on a win-win business model are needed for increased adoption of apiculture in the context of changing climate.
Application of infrared technique in soil properties’ characterization in South Kivu province of DR Congo
(International Research Journals, 2015) Bashagaluke, J.; Nshobole, N.; Fataki, D.; Mochoge, B.; Mugwe, J. N.; Walangululu, J.
Understanding soil properties is an essential pre-requisite for sustainable land management. Assessment of soil properties has long been done through conventional laboratory analysis, which is costly and time consuming. Therefore, there is a need to develop alternative cheaper and faster techniques for soil analysis. In recent years, special attention has been given to Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy and chemometrics. Near Infrared Reflectance (NIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy techniques are rapid, convenient and simple non-destructive techniques for quantifying several soil properties. This study aims to characterized soil based on based on infrared spectroscopy. This method were to predict soil pH, soil organic C, total N, exchangeable Al, Ca, Mg, and K, CEC and soil texture for soil samples collected in Sud-Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo. A total of 530 composite soil samples were taken from two locations (Burhale and Luhihi) at two depths (0-20 and 20- 40 cm) using a spatially-stratified random sampling design within an area of 100 km2. After minimal sample preparation, the MIR spectrum of a soil takes about two minutes for the analyses. Ddifferences in characteristics were evaluated between the two locations, land use (cultivated vs. non-agricultural land) and soil depth. A random subset of the samples (10%) were analyzed using standard wet chemistry methods, and calibration models developed using MIR data to estimate soil properties for the full soil sample set. Partial least squares regression (PLS) method gave acceptable coefficients of determination between 0.71 and 0.93 for all parameters hence good prediction. Though IR is cheap for analyzing soil properties it requires high investment at the beginning. There is therefore need of technical and material support to make this technology useful in developing countries.
Application of Porter’s Framework to Assess Aquaculture Value Chain in Kenya
(Rural Outreach Program, 2015) Ndanga, L.Z.B.; Quagrainie, K.; Ngugi, C.C.; Amadiva, J.
Aquaculture (fish farming) is an agricultural as well as fisheries activity, competing with other agricultural enterprises and artisanal fisheries for the same basic inputs. Therefore, aquaculture is subject to the same basic resource constraints that traditional agricultural activities face. The literature suggests that competition within a value chain is between chains and not individual actors. This study examined the aquaculture value chain in Kenya, assessing the entire value chain, and determining the appropriate points to participate in economically sustainable ways. The competition analysis assessed attractiveness at each stage of the chain by reviewing the rivalry in terms of five competitive forces within the Kenyan aquaculture industry; competitive rivalry, the threat of new entrants, bargaining power of suppliers, threat of substitutes and bargaining power of buyers. The aquaculture industry in Kenya is assessed using Porter’s model with marketing mix (Ps) and factor evaluation matrix (FEM). Input supply is found to be the most difficult value chain function in which to participate because it requires relatively large initial capital outlays and additional operating funds. Although fish farming is the driving function of the entire value chain, the significant capital investments required could be a barrier to entry. Fish farming has largely benefited from the support of government, NGOs and other regional development initiatives. The study established that the easiest sector to enter (in terms of low barriers to entry and exit and low labour requirements) is the fish marketing sector. This chain function provides the most flexibility and liquidity to participants, whether as full-time or part-time occupation. Overall, participation in the Kenya aquaculture value chain will depend on the prospective entrant’s level of experience, time, capital commitment and financial goal (long term stability versus liquidity). Aquaculture requires a long term commitment and high capital outlays, as well as persistence, and should therefore be considered by those looking for long term stability and not short term benefits. Established fish farmers may consider diversifying into input supply and value addition as well.
The behaviour of nitrogen fertilizers in neutral and acid loess soils II. Distribution and balances of 15 N‐tagged nitrogen
(Wiley-VCH Verlag, 1983) Mochoge, B. O.; Beese, F.
A study, to investigate the remaining fertilizer-N in undisturbed soil columns from agricultural and forest soils after 60 days of percolation (see part I), was carried out. The columns were fertilized with two 15-N tagged nitrogen fertilizers (Ca(NO3)2 and (NH4)2SO4) at a rate of 80kg N/ha. The investigation involved the distribution and fractionation of nitrogen in the soils. The soil columns were therefore cut into 8 segments and nitrogen forms analyzed were: total N, fixed-NH4-N, exchangeable NH4-N, NO3-N and organic N. Consequently, the N-balances were established.It was ascertained that immobilization and gaseous losses from the fertilizers were higher after NH4- than after NO3-application in both soils. Immobilization in all treatments was temperature dependent and concentrated at the upper segments of the columns. The forest soil had higher incorporation than the agricultural soil. Nitrification was low in the forest soil while in the agricultural soil there was a fairly high nitrification even at 4°C. The balances showed losses of nitrogen in the range of 10 to 35 %. While this agrees with the findings of other workers in case of the agricultural soil, it leaves however, some questions unanswered in case of the forest soil.Das Verhalten von Stickstoffdüngern in neutralen und sauren Böden aus Löß II. Verteilung und Bilanzierung von 15 N-markiertem StickstoffAn ungestörten Bodensäulen aus je einem Acker- und einem Waldboden wurde der Verbleib von appliziertem N-Dünger nach 60 Tagen Auswaschung (Teil I) untersucht. Die Säulen wurden mit zwei 15-N markierten N-Düngern (Ca(NO3)2 und (NH4)2SO4) entsprechend einer Gabe von 80kg/ha gedüngt. Die Untersuchung umfaßte die Tiefenverteilung und Fraktionierung des Stickstoffs im Boden. Zu diesem Zweck wurden die Säulen in Segmente zerlegt und auf folgende Fraktionen untersucht: Gesamt-N, fixierter NH4-N, austauschbarer NH4-N, Nitrat-N und org.N. Im Anschluß wurden die N-Bilanzen erstellt.Es wurde festgestellt, daß die N-Immobilisierung und die gasförmigen Verluste aus dem Dünger-N nach NH4-N Gabe größer waren als nach NO3-N Zufuhr. Bei allen Behandlungen war die N-Immobilisierung temperaturabhängig und in den oberen Abschnitten der Böden am größten. Der Waldboden wies eine höhere Incorporation des N in die org. Fraktion als der Ackerboden auf. Die Nitrifikationsraten im Waldboden waren gering, während sie im Ackerboden auch bei niedrigerer Temperatur noch beträchtliche Werte aufwiesen. Die Bilanzen wiesen N-Defizite in der Größenordnung von 10–35 % auf. Dies deckt sich mit den Ergebnissen anderer Autoren im Hinblick auf den Ackerboden. Beim Waldboden dagegen bleibt eine Anzahl von Fragen offen.
Changes of Soil Inorganic N, Soil Organic C and N Uptake by Maize and Soybean under Different Intercropping Patterns in Embu West and Tigania East Counties of Central Kenya
(Academic Research Journals, 2014) Mugwe, J. N.; Matusso, J. M. M.; Mucheru-Muna, M.
In the central highlands of Kenya, low soil fertility is one of the major constraints causing decreased maize production and other staple food and income generating crops. The purpose of this study was therefore to determine the effects of maize-soybean intercropping patterns on soil inorganic N, soil organic C and N uptake by maize and soybean. The effects of conventional=1M:1S,MBILI-MBILI=2Maize:2Soybean; 2Maize:4Soybean, 2Maize:6Soybean and two sole crops of maize and soybean were investigated during two seasons (2012 Long Rains and 2012 Short Rains) at Embu and Meru Counties, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. At Embu, during 2012 LR, the MBILI and 2M:4S treatments observed significantly the lowest N03- - N content (8.24 mg kg-1 and 9.15 mg kg-1, respectively); whereas at Kamujine, the sole soybean treatment recorded statistically the highest N03- - N content (8.24 mg kg-1). At Kamujine the sole soybean treatment recorded statistically the highest (12.84 mg kg-1) soil Inorganic N. The N uptake by maize and soybean was significantly affected by the intercropping patterns and it was positively correlated with soil mineral N, at both sites during the sampling period. At Kamujine, theSOC was significantly affected by the intercropping and the conventional treatment recorded the highest value of 2.46%.
A comparative study in direct cryopreservative efficacy between Triladly® and EDTA saline glucose 10% glycerol cryopreservative media for human and non-human infective trypanosomes
(National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, 2009) Munga, L.K.; Ndungu, K.; Gitonga, P.; Mulinge, M.; Kangethe, J.; Kibugu, J.K.; Maina, N.; Kagira, J.M.; Ngae, G.N.; Murilla, G.
The efficacy of Triladyl®, a commercial cryomedium for bull semen, in the cryopreservation of both human and animal infective trypanosomes as compared to EDTA Saline Glucose (ESG) 10% glycerol was evaluated in the current study. Cryopreserved Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, T. evansi, T. b. brucei and T. congolense were first propagated in irradiated mice. At the peak of parasitemia, parasites were harvested by cardiac puncture and 106,105,104103,102 and 10 dilutions made using whole blood bled from clean mice. These dilutions were divided into two equal portions of 0.5 ml each and cryopreserved in both ESG 10% glycerol and neat Triladly®. The procedure was also repeated with T. congolense and T. vivax species of trypanosomes directly isolated from naturally infected cattle. After 1 month of cryopreservation, 0.4 ml each portion of this dilution was injected intraperitonially into irradiated Swiss white mice. Results on pre-patent period (ppp) and progression of parasitemia showed no difference in the recovery of samples cryopreserved using the 2 media. However, mice injected with T. b. brucei cryopreserved in the 2 media showed highly significantly (p < 0.01 by t-test) lower ppp when compared to the other species of trypanosomes which had no significant difference. However, the ppp in mice injected with trypanosomes cryopreserved in ESG 10% glycerol was significantly lower (p < 0.05 by t-test) when compared to those cryopreserved in Triladyl®. The interaction between media and species was highly significant indicating therefore that the difference in cryopreservation between the two media varies from one species of trypanosome to the other. The interaction between dose and species was also highly significant (p < 0.01 by t-test) implying therefore that the effect of the inoculum dose varied from one species to the other leading to the conclusion therefore that although Triladyl® appears as good a cryopreservative medium as ESG 10% glycerol, the choice will be determined by the species of trypanosome
Concentrations of isometamidium chloride (Samorin®) in sera of Zebu cattle which showed evidence of hepatotoxicity following frequent trypanocidal treatments
(Blackwell Publishing, 1997) Eisler, M.C.; Stevenson, P.; Munga, L.K.; Smyth, J.B.A
The concentrations of isometamidium circulating in poorly nourished Zebu cattle which showed morbidity, mortality, and biochemical and histopathological evidence of hepatotoxicity, following frequent treatments with isometamidium chloride and diminazene aceturate were investigated using the isometamidium-ELISA. As few as two isometamidium treatments one month apart were associated with significant weight loss, and cattle treated with diminazene aceturate after three or four isometamidium treatments suffered a 50% mortality. Although there were no obvious, marked elevations in isometamidium concentration which might have allowed the use of the ELISA as a predictor of a potential toxicity problem, concentrations did increase significantly with the number of monthly treatments administered, suggesting drug accumulation, and the increases were significantly higher in cattle to which diminazene had also been administered. In cattle treated with both trypanocides, weight loss and serum glutamate dehydrogenase levels were correlated with isometamidium concentrations. These observations, together with the histopathological findings, support the hypothesis that the morbidity and mortality observed were related to the repeated treatment with isometamidium in conjunction with diminazene aceturate, and that the pathogenesis involved a component of hepatic damage. It is therefore recommended that cattle, particularly those under nutritional stress, are not subjected to repeated treatments with isometamidium at intervals as short as one month, and particularly not with concurrent administration of diminazene.
Contribution of Civil Society in Climate Change Adaptation in Nairobi City County, Kenya
(IJLSAR, 2023-10) Nyaundi, Crispus Michira; Obade, Paul Thomas
: The impacts of climate change, the brunt of which is experienced in the Global South, has occasioned the development of adaptation plans, policies and strategies by developing countries, with the aim of reducing vulnerability and risks. By and large however, this adaptation plans and strategies have not yielded expected results, as evidenced by the increasing manifestations of climate change, including the declining agricultural production, food insecurities and floods, among others. Against this backdrop, this study sought to explore the avenues for enhancing the contribution of civil society organizations in adapting to climate change in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study adopted the descriptive survey design, targeting all 267 civil society organizations pertinent to adapting to climate change in Kenya. A total of 160 top administrative personnel was randomly sampled from among the civil society organizations. Primary data was gathered for the study using a standardized questionnaire. In data analysis, descriptive analysis and a Chi-square test were performed. The results established that mobilization, knowledge sharing, policy support have a significant effect on the contribution of CSOs in adapting to climate change in Nairobi City County. It was also found that institutional coordination was also found to have a significant intervening role on the association between the avenues for enhancing the contribution of CSOs in adapting to climate change in Nairobi City County, Kenya. It is thus recommended that administrators of CSOs involved in adapting to climate change in Nairobi City County, invest in mobilization, knowledge sharing, policy support and institutional coordination.
Contribution of Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting in Relation to Total Water Supply in Households-A Case Study, Nairobi County, Kenya
(Progressive Academic Publishing, UK, 2017) Ombuna, Christine; Mochoge, Benson; Mwetu, Kennedy K.
Water supply deficit for Nairobi City is estimated at 170, 000 m3/day which is 23% of the total water requirement. Aim of the study was to assess the amount of rainwater harvested from various roof catchments, storage capacities, water quality and adoption rate of water harvesting from rooftops. A total of 150 samples were collected, namely 50 from maisonettes, 50 from multi-story buildings, and 25 samples each from industry and institution buildings. Data collected included rainfall depths, roof surface areas, size of tanks, water quality of the rainwater harvested from roof catchments and socio-economic data affecting urban water harvesting. Results obtained showed that rain water harvested could meet the deficit encountered with most households and Institutions in the city. Institutions like schools were found to lead in rainwater harvesting (44%) followed by maisonettes (20%), multi-story buildings (6%) and industry (4%) in that order. Nearly 93% of the residents interviewed were found to depend on piped water, 7% depended on private owned boreholes while 16% of the residents had fully adopted roof rainwater harvest system to supplement other sources. The quality of rainwater harvested indicted presence of Lead (Pd) and Turbidity close to 1 NTU. Rainwater from roof tops was found to be suitable for non-potable purposes.
Demonstrating Education for Sustainable Development through Rainwater Harvesting in Institutions of Higher Learning in Kenya: The Potential at Kenyatta University
(UNESCO, 2023) Nalwa, Pheobe; Waswa, Fuchaka
The challenge of water scarcity is increasing in most countries of the world with potentially severe negative effects on human well-being and sustainable development. This paper reports on the hirtherto untapped potential of rainwater harvesting across public universities in Kenya, using Kenyatta University as the case study. Roof catchment footprints were mapped quantified using Geographic Information System procedures. Rainfall data was obtained from the university meteorological station and analysis for general trends from 2005 to 2017. Volumes of harvested water were calculated by obtaining the product of actual area of the roof catchment and rainfall received in millimetres. Results show that mean monthly rainfall ranged from 15-180 mm, averaging 75 mm. Annual and monthly totals, including rainfall days fluctuate a lot and have been declining since 2005. All roofs have gutters and drainage pipes but lack rainwater storage tanks. Therefore, significant quantities of harvested water are immediately lost as runoff water. For example, the Central Administration Complex, the Post-Modern Library and the Business Services and Student Centre roof catchment loss on average 290,800, 465,300 and 289,700 litres per month respectively. The socio-economic and ecological effects of such avoidable loss cannot be overemphasized. As centres of excellence in leadership education, universities can demonstrate sustainable water resource management as envisaged in the UN framework of education for sustainable development by integrating the complete rainwater harvesting infrastructure particularly appropriate plastic tanks in new project design and implementation, and when auditing all old buildings. To mainstream such environmental stewardship in strategic management requires the establishment of an environmental office in the university anchored on ISO 14001:2015 certification. Here-in is the discussion on leadership gap this article hopes to kindle.
Determinants of smallholders farmers’ participation in collective marketing of maize in the central highlands of Kenya
(African Journal of Rural Development, 2019) Mugwe J.; Ayieko, D.; Bett E.
Collective marketing has been proposed as a solution to the problem of poor access to markets in developing nations. However, smallholders’ market participation is still limited. This study assessed farmers’ perception of the benefits and challenges in collective marketing, and identified the determinants of smallholder farmers’ participation in collective marketing of maize from 126 households in the central highlands of Kenya. Logistic regression model was used to analyze factors explaining farmers’ participation in collective marketing. The key benefits of collective marketing were better prices and low cost of inputs, while the main challenges were poor infrastructure, disagreement among members and lack of credit. Gender of household head, years of farming experience, training on market information search, keeping records, ability to search market information, marketing group size, extension contact frequency and group meeting frequency were significantly associated with farmers participation in collective marketing. Participation in collective marketing could be improved by targeting women already organized in groups, offering training to households on record keeping, enhanced extension contacts, improving marketing group operations and searching for markets.
Development of an x-ray method for mineralogical analysis of Africa soils using a benchtop diffractometer
(2014) Mochoge, B. O.; Nyambura, Mercy; Gatari, Michael; Hillier, Stephen; Shepherd, Keith D.; Martti, Esala
Soil mineralogy is a principal determinant of many soil functional properties. Africa soil mineralogy has not been widely researched, especially as a predictive tool. Recent developments in instrument designs and capabilities including the launch of bench -top X-ray Diffractometers(XRD) have widened the possible application areas for high -throughput X-ray diffraction (XRD) as a powerful complementary tool for soil screening. This study was conducted to develop a protocol for high precision and rapid throughput mineralogical analysis of Africa soils using a benchtop diffractomet
Dynamic of stress response in Labeo Victoria (Labeo victorianus) during transfer from the grow-out to cages and ponds under differential caged stocking densities
(2014) Ngugi, Charles C.; Kuria, G. M.; Oyoo-Okoth, E.
Varying stocking densities have been suggested to obtain optimal growth performance, yields and economic benefits in fish culture. Transferring fish directly from hatcheries to the cages or ponds may induce stress. We evaluated the stress response of Labeo Victoria (Labeo victorianus) in an integrated cage-cum-pond culture during transfer of fish from the hatchery to the cages and ponds at different stocked biomass. Cages were stocked at varying biomass of 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 fish/m3 and suspended in a static pond of 1300 m2. The L. victorianus fingerlings of a mean weight 23.6 ± 1.8 g were stocked in the cages and the pond respectively. 20 fish were sampled during the transfer period from the ponds and cages for analysis of primary and secondary parameters of stress response. Primary stress response occurred when fish were directly transferred to cages and ponds at stocking density ≥ 60 fish/m3 and 90 fish/m3 respectively. Parameters of secondary stress response occurred in fish transferred to the cages at stocking density ≥ 120 fish/m3 and in ponds at biomass ≥ 150 fish/m3.

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